No 2D

Location: South-western exedra of the south gallery, on the marble balustrade of the sixth lodge (counting from east to west).

Material: Marble surface, 6th century.

Dimensions: 3 cm in width by 3 cm in length. 

Condition: D|eep carving, not intersected by other marks.

Technique: Incised.

Description: A small square design with four external triangles is incised on the marble surface, forming a symmetrical pattern.

Attribution: Game board. 

Publications: none.

Commentary: The pattern corresponds to type S.2 (“Square with external triangles”) in the classification of R. C. Bell and C. M. Roueché[1]. Similar designs are known from ancient and early Byzantine contexts as gaming boards, though in ecclesiastical settings they may also have served an apotropaic or symbolic function. The small size and informal execution suggest a private engraving, likely made by a visitor or a member of the church community.

Date: Unknown.

[1] Bell, R. C., Roueché, C. M. Graeco-Roman Pavement Signs and Game Boards. A British Museum Working Typology. – in Ancient Board Games in Perspective, Papers from the 1990 British Museum Colloquium, ed. by I. L. Finkel, London: British Museum Press, 2007, 108.